July 31, 2008

BRIEF: Firefighters Hit Remaining Hot Spots in City Creek Blaze

by Sam Savage

By Steve Gehrke, The Salt Lake Tribune

Jul. 31--The City Creek Canyon fire could be contained by late this afternoon or early this evening.

Crews have hemmed in more than 75 percent of the blaze, and 120 firefighters were demobilized early today as remaining crews continue to douse remaining hot spots. There are about four crews and 85 firefighters left working in the canyon.

"There is very little smoke, and the fire has not grown at all," said fire spokeswoman Kathy Jo Pollock. "The progress is going exceptionally well."

One helicopter is still on standby, but Kathy Jo Pollock said the chopper has mostly been dropping water and supplies for firefighters. Crews have not needed it much to fight the blaze, which continues to deteriorate.

"Things are pretty well under control," said Jason Curry. "There are a few spots where we need to reinforce the lines and get things improved before we turn it over to the city folks."

Curry, who is investigating the cause of the fire, said he is looking at a couple different human causes.

"We've got to interview some people still," Curry said.

The blaze started early Tuesday and has burned about 130 acres.

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